APIESpeaking: A Busy Week and Appointments
A busy week and making appointments
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
Unit: A Busy Week and Making Appointments
IELTS Speaking Part 1 • Everyday English • 25 minutes
📋 How to use this lesson
Teacher Guide
Guide students through the review and sentence patterns in 10 minutes. Then have them record answers to the 8 speaking prompts and check their scores on screen.
Learner Guide
First, review the words and complete the quick practice tasks in Module 1. Next, speak your answers out loud in Module 2 and open the model answer after you record.
Vocabulary and Patterns
Learn useful words and three easy sentence patterns to talk about your weekly timetable.
Vocabulary Check: Choose the best word
Pick the correct word from the unit list to complete each sentence.
1. I put a small note on my phone as a ___ so I remember to take my medicine at noon.
2. Let me look at my wall ___ to see which day we can have dinner together.
3. She writes her private feelings and thoughts every evening in a personal ___.
4. My tooth hurts when I drink cold water, so I must visit the ___ today.
5. Please call the clinic before five o'clock to ___ your visit for Friday.
Collocation Matching
Match each phrase on the left to its meaning on the right.
3 Useful Sentence Patterns
Use these simple shapes when you speak about plans and making time.
I am meeting ... on ...
"I am meeting my cousin on Thursday afternoon to study."
Why this works: You state the person and the day together in one smooth sentence.
I am not free on ... because ...
"I am not free on Friday because I am seeing the dentist at three o'clock."
Why this works: You say clearly that you cannot meet and you give the reason right away.
Can we arrange a time for ...?
"Can we arrange a time for our English project tomorrow?"
Why this works: A friendly and polite way to ask someone to choose an hour with you.
Part 1 Practice
Answer 8 IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions. Speak naturally and check your feedback.
🎙️ How to use Part 1 Practice
For teacher: Let the student answer each question in 15-20 seconds. Check that they speak in full sentences with simple linking words.
For learner: Press the record button and say your own answer. When finished, open the sample box below to read a model answer and learn useful phrases.
What are you doing this weekend?
Answer the question out loud in 2 or 3 sentences.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Click to see a model answer"Well, I'm going to the cinema with my brother on Saturday. Then on Sunday, I'm staying at home to chill out and clean my bedroom. I don't have any other big plans."
Useful phrases to learn:
• I'm going to: plans you decided for the future.
• staying at home: remaining in your house instead of going out.
• chill out: relax in an easy, quiet way.
• big plans: important or exciting events.
Is your week usually busy or quiet?
Tell the listener about your regular days.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Click to see a model answer"Honestly, it's pretty busy most days. I go to class in the morning, and, um, I study until five. But Friday night is usually nice and quiet, so I can relax."
Useful phrases to learn:
• pretty busy: having many things to do.
• go to class: attend your school or university lessons.
• nice and quiet: calm, peaceful, and relaxing.
Do you write your week in a diary or on your phone?
Explain which tool you prefer and why.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Click to see a model answer"I use my phone for everything. I set a reminder for my classes and chores because, well, I forget easily. It's really handy to check the app when I'm on the bus."
Useful phrases to learn:
• use my phone: do things with your smartphone.
• set a reminder: create a short alarm so you do not forget.
• really handy: very practical and helpful.
Do you have any visits to a doctor or a dentist this month?
Say if you have an appointment or if you do not need one.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Click to see a model answer"Actually, yes. I have an appointment with the dentist on Wednesday morning at nine. I need a quick check-up because my tooth hurts, but I don't have to see a doctor."
Useful phrases to learn:
• appointment with the dentist: a planned time to see the tooth doctor.
• quick check-up: a short test to see if everything is healthy.
• don't have to: there is no need to do something.
Who do you want to see this week?
Name a person and what you want to do with them.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Click to see a model answer"I really want to catch up with my best friend, Marco. We haven't seen each other for two weeks. Um, we might grab a coffee together on Thursday after my work."
Useful phrases to learn:
• catch up with: meet a friend to share your recent news.
• haven't seen: did not meet during that period.
• grab a coffee: sit down and have a quick warm drink together.
What do you say when you must change the time of a visit?
Say the words you use to ask for a new time.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Click to see a model answer"Well, I usually say, 'I'm sorry, but something came up. Can we move the time or reschedule for tomorrow?' I try to be polite so they don't get upset."
Useful phrases to learn:
• came up: happened unexpectedly.
• move the time: pick a different hour on the clock.
• reschedule for tomorrow: set the meeting for the following day.
Do you like to know your week before it starts, or to decide on the day?
Explain your daily style of organizing things.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Click to see a model answer"I definitely like to plan ahead. On Sunday evenings, I make a list of my tasks. If I just go with the flow, um, I feel lost and waste too much time."
Useful phrases to learn:
• plan ahead: arrange your schedule before the week begins.
• make a list: write down your chores in order.
• go with the flow: do whatever happens without deciding before.
Which day of the week is the busiest for you?
Name the day and describe what makes it so full.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Click to see a model answer"Tuesday is always my busiest day. I have three classes, and then I work a part-time shift until eight. By the time I get home, I'm totally exhausted, you know?"
Useful phrases to learn:
• busiest day: the 24 hours when you have the most tasks.
• part-time shift: a few hours of work during the day.
• totally exhausted: extremely tired with no energy left.
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